Chapter 37 – Temporary Housing

William

“What do you mean you didn’t get her?” I managed to say through gritted teeth.

Jason had just admitted that the intruder had slipped past him.

“Look man, I have no idea. I was right behind her and then suddenly we turn a corner and the entire place is empty. I swear it was the reincarnation of cat woman or at least one of her siblings,” he said making me roll my eyes at him. “I’m really sorry, but I promise you I don’t understand how it happened,” Jason continued, probably feeling embarrassed and ashamed he had lost the woman in question, leaving yet another threat against Harmoni unsolved.

Mia had been spending hours gathering up the multitude of properties the Dimond crew had, but it would take weeks before each of them could be investigated. It was a long shot, we would need more clues to narrow it down. If that wasn’t enough already we now had intruders and trespassers.

Jason looked down at his hand knowing he had just screwed up. I groaned, not wanting to bring him down more than he already felt. Yet, still too upset to baby and comfort him.

“Get out of my sight” I ordered. “How did she even get in?” I mumbled to myself once Jason had left the room.

“I’m not that surprised” Harmoni voiced from somewhere behind me. With Jason’s revelation, I had forgotten that she had followed me to the dining room.

“Why do you say that?” I raised my eyebrow, genuinely surprised by her admission.

“Well, if I could get out unnoticed, it shouldn’t be that hard for someone to get in. Once you understand how the two guards work and in what way they move around. It’s easy to find a blind spot. You were the only one that ever caught me,” she explained.

I shivered at how easy it was to get into the mansion. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, this place was enormous. I would know, I had spent many evenings walking around it. Two guards could not safely guard it, it was an impossible task.

That’s when an idea came to my mind. I pondered it for a few minutes but found only positive points to it. A smile stretched my face, satisfied with the solution I had concocted.

“A penny for your thoughts?” Harmoni asked standing beside me.

“How would you feel about coming to live with me for a few days?” I asked. I suddenly felt self-conscious and nervous about her reaction. Turns out the idea sounded a lot better in my head than out loud.

Her eyes widened as she processed my words. Her mouth opened and then closed again, like she wanted to say something, but couldn’t find the words.

“My place is much smaller, but it would be easier to protect. Plus, I would be by your side when you’re home. I mean the person clearly knows where you live, but I doubt they know anything about me. I honestly believe it would be the safest option,” I rambled on, trying my best to explain the reasoning behind my proposition, as my palms grew moist from the worrisome silence.

“I think that’d be great,” she finally answered, she seemed a bit flustered but more importantly, the toothy smile painted on her face was the confirmation she wanted this as well.

“I need to run it by your father of course, but I think he’ll see the value in it.” My belly fluttered at the idea of living together with my girl. I knew we hadn’t been together long yet, but I couldn’t get enough of her. I woke up thinking about her musical laugh and fell asleep dreaming about her jade green eyes.

James had already left for bed so I made a note to speak to him first thing in the morning. In the meantime, I would stay with Harmoni and the gang in the living room. Although I doubt I would be able to sleep.

Harmoni

As I walked up the stairs leading to William’s apartment, I couldn’t help but wonder how he had managed to get my father on board with this idea. Especially since he wouldn’t be tagging along to surveil us. We had spent the day packing some of my belongings and making our way to William’s apartment.

Yet, I was glad my father let this happen. Knowing that someone had been in my room made my blood run cold. I slept there, I let my guard down there, I was vulnerable there. Someone had been there and had escaped easily. What would have happened if I had been in the room.

The thought alone was enough to have my heart thumping in fear. I would probably fight them, but there was no assurance I would come out on top.

The jingling sound of William’s keys brought me out of my thoughts.

As he opened the door, the excitement I had felt to find out more about him came rushing back. After all, living with someone was the best way to know everything about them, from their most amazing qualities to their most annoying habits. As much as it scared me to take this step so soon, I couldn’t help but think that in some way it was fair.

William had come into my life and invaded every aspect of it, from my house to my friends, my school, and my family. Sure, it had to be done since it was part of his job, but it didn’t change the fact that I had instantly become an open book to him while he remained a mystery to me.

One I couldn’t wait to unravel.

“This is it,” he said as he pushed the door to his flat open, inviting me inside.

I took a step in and was surprisingly greeted by a much larger apartment than I had expected. William had spent so much time telling me it was much smaller than my house that I had imagined a tiny flat. I guess he simply meant it was smaller.

Looking around, I couldn’t help but smile to myself. This place felt homey. Upon entering, you could immediately see the open space consisting of a living room in which lay two soft brown couches facing a large television while a fireplace was embedded in the wall a few meters to its right. A reading chair was placed beside it, which made me believe he spent quite some time reading.

On the other side of the room was the kitchen. Everything within it seemed new; some of the things were still wrapped in protective plastic like the outside of the fridge, the microwave, and the cupboards.

“I love it,” I voiced honestly, seeing the tension that had built from my lack of verbal response dissipate. “I’ll admit I expected it to be messier,” I teased, although it was the truth. No clothes were lying around, no disregarded food container. Everything was where it was supposed to be.

“I guess I never let go of some of my military habits,” he chuckled.

“Well, I hope you don’t mind a little mess 'cause I can already tell you. I’m not that organized,” I returned while laughing lightly as I gestured to his apartment with my finger. I guess William was a clean freak, not that I minded, but I hope it wouldn’t cause any problems for us later.

Continuing my visit of his place, I walked further into the apartment, encountering a closed door. I slid it open and walked into his bedroom. It was clean and simple, somehow it fit him perfectly.

His king-size bed was in the center of the room, adorned by two bedside tables. A bookshelf covered a corner while a large cupboard occupied the other.

A large window illuminated the room. The light from the street was reflected in one of the many picture frames he kept on his wall. I walked a few steps closer to it.

A beautiful girl was grinning next to a man I recognized as a younger version of William. From that point on, it wasn’t hard to put the pieces together.

“I hope Stella comes home,” I voiced, giving him a small smile.

“Me too,” he answered, leaning against the door frame.

As I walked beside the bed, I let my hand brush over the soft bed cover. I was suddenly all too aware of the fact that we were the only people present in the apartment.

Seeming to realize the same thing, I sensed William walking slowly behind me. Grabbing onto my hand from behind, he bent his head to rest it on my shoulder, bringing his lips against my neck.

My body tensed unconsciously as the tension between us grew. A shiver ran down my back starting from the place on my neck he had just kissed.

“I’m glad you’re here, Princess. You can take the bed and I’ll take the couch,” he said without a doubt in his voice.

“Thanks,” I answered, turning around to face him. I pecked him on the lips, grateful he was understanding and mostly amazed he had taken interest in me.

“I’ll let you get settled. I cleared the lower drawer for you,” he offered as he dropped my bag down next to the cupboard. With that said, he turned on his heels and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I had slept in the same bed as William more than once, but it had always been in my home with my father next door and the bodyguards rooming under. I still had a few bodyguards guarding the building, but overall, we were more isolated than before.

I knew William was a respectful man and that he wouldn’t do anything without my consent, yet I still felt awkward and unprepared for us to share a bed or go further.

Had I thought about it before? Had I fantasized about my muscular, handsome boyfriend?

Absolutely, but seeing it before I was a different story.

Yet, I didn’t believe I would be able to resist him much longer, especially now that we lived together. I mean, naturally, I would be seeing more of him. If you know what I mean, and I would see different sides of him. However, I didn’t doubt that each of them would only bring us closer.

I took a quick shower before getting changed. Walking to the door, I gave William a good night kiss before heading to the bed.

I couldn’t get the image of his large body squeezed onto the sofa. I twisted and turned, feeling odd not being in my own bed. After a few more minutes, I sighed loudly. Throwing my legs over the edge of the bed, I quietly stepped towards the sliding door.

As I opened it, I could hear the irregular breathing coming from Will. Without a word, I walked closer to him and gently grabbed his hand. His eyes shot open before softening as they laid on me.

I tugged at his hand and slowly pulled him up before guiding him to the bedroom.

As soon as we were under the covers, William didn’t hesitate to pull my body closer to his, spooning me from behind. I was out within minutes.